AMD took the opportunity at Computex to show server platforms running the Quad-Core AMD Opteron processors, codenamed
Barcelona, with the help of MSI, Supermicro, TYAN and Uniwide

The AMD quad-core processors are designed
to drop-in (following a BIOS upgrade) with all existing AMD
Opteron processor-based systems using DDR2 memory, while also
enabling new platform capabilities such as those being demonstrated today.

One vendor demonstrated Barcelona to DailyTech, running at 1.6GHz. According to engineers familiar with the chip technology, the current AMD Barcelona samples are not scaling core frequencies well. AMD partners confirmed the highest running, POST and OS capable, Barcelona processor is 2.0 GHz. AMD previously posted benchmarks of a simulated 2.6 GHz Barcelona.

“We commend AMD for its non-disruptive
roadmaps, allowing for a smooth upgrade from dual-core to quad-core,” said
Danny Hsu, president, TYAN. “Streamlining and mitigating the complexities
customers often face when upgrading their IT infrastructure is especially
important in today’s competitive marketplace. TYAN has collaborated with AMD
since 2001, and we will continue to support and take advantage of the
customer-centric innovation AMD is offering in its quad-core processors when
they are made available later this year.”

AMD roadmaps show Barcelona-based Opteron processors will launch in July, but the general consensus from partners is the processor isn’t performing well enough for a July launch.

“Quad-core, codenamed Barcelona will launch later this summer, in the July,
August kind of time frame -- followed by [consumer chips] on the desktop... You'll
see that in the Christmas line-up,” stated Robert Rivet, AMD executive
vice president and CFO, just a few months ago.

"If you can find a PS3 anywhere in North America that's been on shelves for more than five minutes, I'll give you 1,200 bucks for it." -- SCEA President Jack Tretton